MEXICO FAQS
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL
BASIC INFO AND DISCUSSION THREADS
Driving
Driving in Mexico - (A short practical guide to driving in Mexico.)
Auto Insurance and Accidents
Surviving an Accident in Mexico
Mexico's road signs what they mean ......
Crossing the Mexican Border
Driving across the border
Who can drive my car when in Mexico?
Where can I get good Mexico Highway Maps?
What Stuff can I take into Mexico?
Driving in Mexico - A Personal Perspective
Mechanics in Mexico - A Personal Perspective
Driving from:
East Texas to Guadalajara/Lake Chapala (for those on their way down)
Guadalajara to Oaxaca (for those on their way down further)
Guadalajara to Laredo and Back (another way down (& back))
Guadalajara to Puerta Vallarta
Nogales, Arizona to Uruapan, Michoacan (western side drive)
Busses (not kisses, the things you ride in)
Busses In Mexico - "How to" Article
Bus travel in Mexico
Busing From Cancun to Chichen Itza
Bus travel From Mexico City to Oaxaca
Bus Travel From Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara
- Where can I get Mexican Hotel Information?
- How can I get travel information about México?
- (Cómo puedo obtener información turística sobre México?)
- Is there Mexican weather information on-line?
- (Puede obtenerse información climatológica de México en Internet?)
- What happens when I fly into Mexico?
- (Qué sucede cuando llego a México en avión?)
- I am a widow and would like to see Mexico. How safe is it for a woman traveling alone and what are the prospects of meeting other single people?
- Me gustaría conocer México pero soy viuda. Qué tan seguro es para una mujer viajar sola? Habría posibilidades de conocer otras personas solteras?
- We will be driving in Mexico and would like to take our dogs. Is this possible?
- Estaremos viajando a México en autómovil y nos gustaría llevar a nuestros perros. Sería posible?
- What kind of paper work do I need to enter and exit the country?
- Qué tipo de documentación necesito para entrar y salir de México?
- I don't speak a word of Spanish. Ok, maybe Si and Gracias. Will this be a problem?
- No hablo español y no se decir mas que si y gracias. Sería esto un problema?
- We have heard about about the problems in Chiapas. Is it safe to travel in Mexico and are there areas to avoid?
- Hemos oído hablar de la situación en Chiapas. Sería peligroso viajar a México? Existen áreas que se deban evitar?
Discussion Threads
Tell me about travelling by bus in Mexico
Back to the FAQ INDEX
What happens when I fly into Mexico?
Flying into Mexico is quite easy. However, if you have never done it before, it can be quite confusing the first time. So these notes will help you to know what to expect.
- You do not have to know spanish. Some helps, but unless you are comfortable with your spanish it is easier if you don't use it (except 'Si', 'Gracias' etc.) If you start off in spanish the person you are talking to will assume you are fluent and speak rapid (for you) spanish back, and you will not understand and have to start again in english.
- You will need to complete an FMT Inmigrado form before you get off the plane. Your travel agency should be able to give you one. If not, you can get one on the plane. The FMT is a simple one page immigration form for tourists and short stay visitors. It asks for your name, identification, how long you are staying and where you are staying.
- When you get off the plane the first place you will stop is the Inmigrado. When you get to the Official, give him or her the FMT as well as your Passport or Birth Certificate or other formal identification. The FMT will be stamped and a length of time you can stay in the country will be entered.
- Do not lose this form. You will need it to get back out of the country.
- Next you will get your baggage from the baggage area and go to the Customs (Duana) area.
- You will asked what you are bringing into the country and if you have anything to declare.
- Do not bring guns, large knives, fresh produce, illegal drugs. You may not get to enjoy your visit!
- After you have stated your purity, you will be asked to leave your luggage with the Agent, and asked to push a button. This button is set to randomly turn on a green or red signal light. If it is green, you are free to go. If it is red, you will be taken aside and all your luggage will be examined in detail. A different system, but very fair.
- Once out of the Customs area, you will exit the airport to be faced with porters and cab drivers seeking your business. Take your time and get oriented to the different language, smells, sights and sounds before you commit yourself.
- Fares from the airports are usually pre-set. So look around for the signs posting these fares, or ask more than one cab driver what the fare is.
- Always agree on the fare before getting into the cab!
- Enjoy your stay!
We have heard about about the problems in Chiapas. Is it safe to travel in Mexico and are there areas to avoid?
Mexico is probably safer then many places in the United States or Canada.Common sense applies.
Stay off the highways at night. Don't drink on the streets. Don't try to take a gun into the country, and make sure that you are informed about traffic laws if you will be driving.
If you take an RV into Mexico, take your business to one of the many excellent RV parks rather then going for a deserted beach. Chiapas is one of the most beautiful areas of Mexico, but it is recommend that you check with the US State Department for a travel advisory before you schedule a trip to this area.There is not much tourism in the Chiapas area, and those who have been there recently had no problems to report.
I don't speak a word of Spanish. Ok, maybe si and gracias. Will this be a problem?
Except for the most rural areas, many of the people of Mexico speak some English, so if you are going to a place like Cabo San Lucas, or one of the popular resort cities you will find Mexicans who speak very good English.A good Spanish dictionary won't hurt, and the Mexicans appreciate a gringo's attempts at speaking their language.
What kind of paper work do I need to enter and exit the country?
If you are flying in and out of Mexico, all you need is a picture ID such as a driver's license or passport. All airports that are gateway cites have a form you will be required to fill out called an FMT that asks for information such as your address, city, state, country and must be signed by you and will be given to an Immigration Officer at the airport in Mexico. Upon your return to your home country, you will be required to fill out a Customs Form declaring your purchases in Mexico. If you are driving into Mexico, going 15 miles past the border, (other than Baja California which is considered a free zone), you will be required to carry your clear title to your vehicle and current registration.You will also be required to post a bond either by credit card, or cash bond or a bond on the value of your vehicle if is is older then a 1988 model. You will have to sign a form promising to return the vehicle to the country of origin, and you must pay a $10.00+ fee.
You will also fill out the FMT form which authorizes you to stay in Mexico for 90 days to six months with multiple entry (make certain you get a copy and don't lose it. You will need to exit the country later).
There is an Official Guide to Driving a Car In Mexico published by the Sectretaria of Turismo that you can obtain from the Mexican Government Tourism Office in all major cities in the US and Canada. There is no charge for the Guide.
When exiting Mexico, you will be required to turn in all your forms at the border. It may sound complicated, but it's really quite easy and the forms are very simple and in English.
We will be driving in Mexico and would like to take our dogs. Is this possible?
Of course you can take your pets to Mexico.You will need a recent (sometimes within 72 hours) International Health Certificate from your vet. We must tell you that many hotels to not accept pets. If you decide to take the ferry to or from Baja California your pet must remain in the vehicle during the trip, and we have heard this has had tragic consequences.
Mexicans do not place the same value on pets that we do so you will have to accept there will be many places your pet cannot go.
I am a widow and would like to see Mexico. How safe is it for a woman traveling alone and what are the prospects of meeting other single people?
The editor of the Mexico Travel Monthly Report is a single woman, and travels frequently in Mexico. She says "I generally start out with some anxieties because I am not sure what to expect when I visit a new place. The Mexicans are very friendly and helpful and usually make me feel at ease.I am cautious, though. I don't wear any expensive jewelry; I don't frequent bars alone and I check my windows in hotel rooms. I like to carry American Express Travelers Checks, and carry plenty of pesos that I exchange at the airport."
If you are going to be in Mexico for any length of time, you can check the local library and newspapers for single groups, or retirees.
Back to the FAQ INDEX
Back To Home Page Index E-mail mexico@mexconnect.com Top of Page
Problems with our site Comments Contributions© Mexico Connect 1996-2006